*[[Challenges and Concerns]], troubleshooting and understanding limits of technology in libraries

*[[Challenges and Concerns]], troubleshooting and understanding limits of technology in libraries

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*[[Teen Tech Guides]]: Tech Guides created by the 2008 Teen Tech Week committee on topics such as [[Virtual Worlds: A Teen Tech Week Guide|online Virtual Worlds]] and podcasting. This is the place to start learning about technologies important in the lives of the teens.

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*[[Teen Tech Guides]]: Tech Guides created by the 2008 Teen Tech Week committee on topics such as [[Virtual Worlds: A Teen Tech Week Guide|online Virtual Worlds]] and podcasting. This is the place to start learning about technologies important in the lives of the teens.

Welcome

Welcome to YALSA's Teen Tech Week Wiki! Teen Tech Week takes place each March, and while this wiki has a lot of great resources, the Teen Tech Week Ning is going to be the most regularly updated source for information and discussion going forward. Check it out!

About Teen Tech Week

Teen Tech Week is a national initiative aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use libraries' nonprint resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology.

Teen use of nonprint resources has increased dramatically in recent years, yet more teens are doing this from home instead of the library. According to a recent study by Harris Interactive, in 2005, 86% of youth aged 8-18 have a computer in their home, and 74% have Internet access in their home. On average, 8-18 year olds spend 6 hours and 21 minutes per day using media (including TV, video/DVDs/movies, video games, audio media, computers and print media). Furthermore, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 71% of teens report that the Internet is their primary source for completing school projects. Yet multiple studies have shown that the majority of teens lack the critical thinking skills and technical expertise to use the Internet and other electronic resources effectively. Teens need to know that the library is a trusted resource for accessing information and that librarians are the experts who can help them develop the skills they need to use electronic resources effectively and efficiently.

The book Get Connected: Tech Programs for Teens is a compilation of tech programs from YALSA and compiled by Rosemary Honnold. The book offers detailed snapshots of the most cutting-edge technology-oriented programs sure to draw teens into the library – and keep them reading and accessing library resources. Topics include recreation- and education-based programs, working with special teen populations, drawing young readers in the social networking scene, tips for working with teen advisory groups, and YALSA’s innovative ideas for celebrating Teen Tech Week! Both novice and tech-savvy young adult librarians will find this book an essential resource for connecting with their patrons. Look up the library record on Worldcat.

Game On Program Manual (compiled by Texas State Library)

The Texas state library put together an extensive manual that has some great ideas and resources that could be adapted for "Press Play"

Technology Competencies

Teen Tech Guides: Tech Guides created by the 2008 Teen Tech Week committee on topics such as online Virtual Worlds and podcasting. This is the place to start learning about technologies important in the lives of the teens.

Marketing and Promotion Techniques

Get the Word Out: 10 Ways to Promote Your Events

Here is a checklist to help you spread the word about your library's TTW events and programs:

There is a TTW display in my library

TTW is featured on my library's web site, blog and social media channels

Information about TTW is in my library's winter newsletter

All library staff are knowledgeable about my library's TTW activities

Relevant local organizations have been informed about TTW and your library's TTW activities, such as the community center, 4-H club, area schools, parent, etc.

Local VIPs such as town council members and/or state legislators, have been invited to attend any special TTW events

Local media outlets such as newspapers, radio stations and TV stations have been informed about TTW and your library's TTW activities via a press release (see the TTW web site for a Publicity Toolkit)

My Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is involved in promoting TTW by writing letters to the editor, making a commercial for the public access channel, designing and posting flyers, creating and uploading a short informational video for You Tube, recording and distributing an audio Public Service Announcement, etc.

I or my TAG have asked my town council and/or state's governor to declare Teen Tech Week in my town or state

I have designated a member of my TAG or someone to be the photographer at my TTW events, and I will distribute the photos by posting them on the library's web site or Flickr account, sending them to the local newspaper and sending them to American Libraries at americanlibraries@ala.org.